Large Turnout Expected For Zangaro Funeral Today

berriencountycourthouse-2
berriencountycourthouse-2

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the funeral today for Joe Zangaro, one of two bailiffs shot and killed Monday at the Berrien County Courthouse. His visitation was yesterday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph, and Berrien County Chief Judge Gary Bruce spoke with our partners at WNDU NewsCenter 16 about the loss of Zangaro and Ron Kienzle.

“People have asked me for years if I’m afraid in the courthouse, and I’m never afraid because I’ve got those guys,” said Bruce. He says moving forward isn’t easy, adding “it hasn’t been the same since.”

Retired Van Buren County Sheriff’s Deputy Charles Loughrin also talked to WNDU about the shootings, saying he’d known Zangaro for years and was sure he’d know at least one of the victims personally.

“This is as close to losing someone that’s a blood relative to you regardless of gender, race creed, nationality, it doesn’t matter,” said Loughrin.

Zangaro’s funeral is today at 1 p.m. at the Mendel Center. Kienzle’s funeral is Monday at 1 p.m. at the same location on the Lake Michigan College campus, and his visitation will be Sunday from 1-5 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joe.